Is Sj6gren’s Syndrome Causing Your Dryness? (NAPSA)—Sjgren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome is a common autoimmunedisease that affects up to 4 million Americans. Women are most frequently affected with Sjgren’s syndrome; in fact, nine of 10 people diagnosed with the condition are women. The symptoms of Sjgren’s syndrome typically occur between 40 and 50 yearsof age. While Sjgren’s syndromeis a commoncondition, patients’ symptoms often go unrecognized and untreated for as many as 10 years. Dry mouth and dry eye are the most frequently reported complaints associated with Sjgren’s syndrome, with dry mouth occurring in 90 percent of cases. Sjgren’s syndrome can also cause dryness of the skin and respira- Many middle-aged women suffer from uncomfortable dryness of the mouth and eyes. toms, be sureto tell your doctor so he or she can begin to determine the cause of your dryness. tory tract. Dry eyes for more than 3 Sjgren’s syndromeis not the months only condition that can cause A recurrent feeling of sand symptoms of dryness. In fact, or gravel in the eyes there are many other causes of The need to use tear replacedryness that make the diagnosis ment drops more than 3 times a of Sjgren’s syndromechallenging. day In 2002, an American-Euro Dry mouth for more than 3 pean Consensus Group published months a new set of more precise criteria Persistently swollen salivary to help physicians make an ear- glands lier and more accurate diagnosis. The need to drink liquids However, doctors and scientists more frequently than usual to continue to work hard to develop help you swallow your food a list of more universally In order for your doctor to accepted “rules” or classification make an accurate diagnosis, it is criteria that may help determine important that you provide a comwhether a patient’s dryness is plete medical history and list any due to Sjgren’s syndrome or medications you are taking, anotherfactor. including over-the-counter, preKey symptomsof Sjgren’s syn- scription, and even herbal remedrome are dryness of the mouth dies. Together, you and your docand eyes. If you experience at tor can determine whatis causing least one of the following symp- your symptomsof dryness. -----------------------------Qo ----------------------------Note to Editors: This article was funded and reviewed by Daiichi Pharmaceutical Corporation.
